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Credit Card Articles

Articles about choosing the right credit card, and how to get the most from the ones you have.
 
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Recent Articles

A man sitting on the couch and looking at his laptop while his toddler daughter peeks over the top of the screen.
Jan. 28, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

Here's How Much My Credit Score Went Up by Not Applying for New Cards

Applying for credit cards too often could lower your credit score. Find out how much it affected mine and what happened when I stopped.
A man sitting on a couch and holding a credit card in one hand and a phone in the other.
Jan. 27, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

This Was My Biggest Credit Card Mistake When I Reached Good Credit

I made one of the most common credit card mistakes. Find out what it was and what you can do to avoid it.
Suitcases plane
Jan. 26, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

Spirit Airlines Launches 2 New Credit Cards With Up to 40,000 Bonus Points

Here's a first look at the new Spirit Airlines credit cards. See what they have to offer for frequent flyers and find out if it makes sense to apply.
A smiling mom and dad sitting on the floor with their young kids playing in their laps.
Jan. 26, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

One of My Credit Cards Is Older Than I Am. Here's How

Learn how I have a credit card that's older than I am on my credit file and the ways this benefits me.
Credit cards fanned out on a table
Jan. 25, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

6 Drawbacks of Opening Too Many Credit Cards

Opening lots of different credit cards has its perks, but it can also lead to problems. Here are the downsides you could face if you get too many credit cards.
A father and son looking at a laptop and a credit card.
Jan. 25, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

4 Ways to Help Your Kids Start Building Credit

With your help, your kids could get a head start on a good credit score -- and good credit habits. Here are the best ways you can lend a hand.
A man handing his credit card to a waiter at a restaurant while sitting at a table with his friend.
Jan. 22, 2021 | By Kailey Hagen

Give Your Credit Score a Boost in 2021 With These Simple Strategies

A high credit score can save you money and unlock access to the best credit cards. Here's how to raise yours.
credit report showing score of 765
Jan. 10, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score by Over 50 Points in 2021

Upgrade your credit this year by learning how to quickly add lots of points to your credit score.
A smiling woman tapping her credit card on a payment terminal being held out by an employee at a glasses store.
Jan. 9, 2021 | By Dana George

How I Got Over My Fear of Credit Cards

Credit card debt is a trap that most consumers want to avoid. Read more about how to make credit cards work for you instead of the other way around.
A man sitting at a desk and placing payment for a bill in an envelope.
Jan. 8, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Steps to Fix Bad Credit in 2021

Learn what you can do to significantly improve a bad credit score this year.
A smiling woman handing her credit card for payment while seated at an outdoor cafe table.
Jan. 7, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

5 Ways to Start Building Your Credit in 2021

If your credit history is too thin to give you a credit score, explore your best options to start building a good credit history this year.
A man and woman shopping online with a credit card
Jan. 4, 2021 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Biggest Perks of Discover Credit Cards

See what makes Discover credit cards special with this look at the card issuer's best perks.
A woman sitting in front of her couch with her laptop and celebrating with her hand in the air.
Jan. 4, 2021 | By Brittney Myers

How 1 Amex Membership Rewards Point Saved Me $20

You can occasionally find some interesting deals for redeeming your rewards points with specific retailers. Here's a look at one such Amazon and American Express deal.
A woman looking worried, at a table with papers and a laptop.
Dec. 31, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How Medical Debt From COVID-19 Could Impact Your Credit Score

With millions infected, medical debt from COVID-19 continues to rise. Here is how that debt could influence credit scores.
Happy couple sit in front of computer with paperwork .
Dec. 31, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

3 Credit Score Goals to Set for 2021

The start of a new year is a good time to set new goals. Take a look at three credit score goals for 2021.
A woman holding a credit card and making a phone call.
Dec. 30, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How 1 Phone Call Can Help Protect Your Credit Score

Falling behind on credit card payments can mean late fees and credit damage. Here's why it can help to call your card issuer before you miss a payment.
A woman smiling and holding up a credit card.
Dec. 29, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

Why It May Be Harder to Get a Credit Card in 2021

Everyone is tightening their belts during the pandemic -- including credit card issuers. Here's how that could make it harder to qualify for a new card.
A man walking outside an office building while holding a coffee and looking at his phone.
Dec. 24, 2020 | By Kimberly Rotter, AFC®

9 Things You Can Do Today to Prevent Credit Card Fraud

The pandemic is pushing more business online, and credit card fraud is higher than ever. Find out how to protect yourself from digital criminals.
Close up on wallet containing various credit cards.
Dec. 18, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

Our Experts' Best Credit Card Advice of 2020

Check out the best credit card advice we had in 2020. You'll find ways to earn more rewards, improve your credit score, save money, and much more.
A waiter wearing an apron and holding up a credit card reader awaiting payment.
Nov. 14, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

5 Costly Sign-Up Bonus Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a New Card

Introductory bonuses are a great reason to open a new credit card. Before you do so, see which sign-up bonus mistakes will cost you money and how to avoid them.
A woman holding a shopping bag and handing her credit card to the store cashier.
Nov. 12, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Most Popular Credit Card Companies

See which credit card companies are the most popular with consumers and why they rank at the top.
A smiling person holding a credit card.
Nov. 6, 2020 | By Kailey Hagen

Don't Use a Credit Card If You Don't Know These 3 Things

Credit cards can be useful, but they can also be costly if used incorrectly. Here are three key things you need to know about them.
Stack of colorful credit cards
Nov. 5, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

How to Properly Disinfect Your Credit Cards

Credit cards can harbor all kinds of bacteria and viruses, including the novel coronavirus. Follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of illness from a contaminated card.
Cashier watching as customer pays with a credit card.
Oct. 30, 2020 | By Lyle Daly

44% of Americans Could Be Carrying the Wrong Type of Credit Card

Learn which type of credit card is popular with consumers even though better options are available.
A man sitting on his couch at home and typing on his laptop on the coffee table.
Oct. 28, 2020 | By Brittney Myers

Why You Shouldn't Pay With Points at Checkout

Paying with points at checkout can be useful, but it has a few downsides. Our experts explain why you should avoid paying with points.